ALP Swansea

What does the Maes teach us about learning?

Ahead of Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru y Garreg Las, ALW’s CEO Kathryn Robson reflects on how Wales’ iconic celebration of culture, language, and creativity highlights the power of lifelong learning.

Read her latest blog here: https://www.adultlearning.wales/news/what-the-maes-teaches-us-about-learning/

We would like to congratulate Professor Siwan Davies, Swansea University's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise), on receiving this year's National Eisteddfod Science and Technology Medal 👏

Internationally recognised for her work in physical geography and climate change, Professor Davies was awarded the medal in recognition of her outstanding contribution to scientific research, education and science communication through the medium of Welsh.

Professor Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, said:

"This is a well-deserved honour for Professor Siwan Davies. As a research leader with an international reputation for her work on climate change, she has also ensured that the Welsh language remains central to her teaching, research and public engagement."

Llongyfarchiadau, Professor Davies! 🎉

🔗 Read more: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/press-office/news-events/news/2026/07/professor-siwan-davies-awarded-the-national-eisteddfods-science-and-technology-medal-.php

Braf iawn cael stondin yng Ngŵyl Haf PlanTawe ddydd Gwener diwethaf. Diolch yn fawr iawn Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot a Menter Iaith Abertawe am y gwahoddiad!

Great to have a stall at PlanTawe in Waverley Park last Friday. Thank you Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot and Menter Iaith Abertawe for inviting us!

One of the greatest strengths of Swansea’s voluntary sector is that we don’t work alone.

Recently, Thom, Project Leader at Matthew's House Swansea, and Andrew, our Volunteer Coordinator, had the privilege of attending the latest Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS) Volunteer Managers Forum, a space that continues to bring together volunteer leaders from charities and community organisations across the city.

We’ve been attending the forum for several years now and continue to find it incredibly valuable. It is a place to share ideas, celebrate successes, learn from one another and strengthen the way we recruit, support and value volunteers across Swansea. Every organisation brings different experiences, challenges and expertise, and it is always encouraging to learn together.

A huge thank you to Julia Manser and the team for continuing to organise these forums so brilliantly. They create a welcoming environment where collaboration comes naturally and where everyone leaves with new ideas and new connections.

A special thank you also goes to Vixie from Swansea University
Discovery SVS (Student Volunteering Swansea) who hosted this month’s forum, and to Taliesin for providing the venue. It was wonderful to meet together in person, something that always adds another dimension to the conversations and relationships.

One of the highlights of the morning was exploring how organisations can continue embracing and celebrating the Welsh language in natural and meaningful ways. It prompted some great conversations about making Welsh feel welcoming and accessible for everyone, whether people are fluent speakers or simply beginning to use more Welsh words in everyday life.

The forum also included valuable discussions around volunteering opportunities for young people. At Matthew’s House, we were pleased to share how we welcome younger volunteers where appropriate. Because of the nature of some of our work, opportunities can be limited, but we are privileged to support young people who want to make a difference.

Currently, we can offer opportunities for young people aged 14 and over when accompanied by a responsible adult, and from age 16 with parental consent in appropriate volunteer roles. It is always inspiring to see the compassion, enthusiasm and commitment that younger generations bring to our volunteer family.

We also appreciated conversations around funding opportunities, partnership working and other networks available across Swansea, including fundraising forums that help strengthen the work of charities throughout the city.

One of the things we love most about these gatherings is that they remind us we are all working towards the same goal. Different organisations. Different services. One city.

Together, we can learn from one another, support one another and continue creating volunteering experiences that are rewarding, meaningful and life changing. A huge thank you once again to everyone involved in making the forum happen. We’re already looking forward to the next one.

Have Your Say on Adult Community Learning in Swansea

We want to hear from you! Whether you're already taking part in adult learning or thinking about it, your views matter.

This short survey is for adults aged 19+ living or working in Swansea. By completing it, you’ll help us better understand what people want, need, and value from Adult Learning in Swansea.

Your feedback will directly shape future courses, opportunities, and support in your community.

Know someone else who should have their say? Please share this survey with friends, family, and your community so we can hear as many voices as possible.

Click here to share your views online with us
https://online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview/a2d0f2f3-5712-42ae-92f6-11af8a3b5312

Closing date: Monday, 14 August 2026

Thank you for taking the time to take part in this consultation
If you require this survey in an alternative format, such as large print, please email [email protected]



Addysg Oedolion Cymru / Adult Learning Wales Gower College Swansea - GCS Dysgu Cymraeg - Ardal Bae Abertawe / Learn Welsh - Swansea Bay Region Swansea Council for Voluntary Service Swansea University Mentrau Iaith University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Cyfle i ddweud eich dweud am ddysgu oedolion yn Abertawe
Rydym yn awyddus i glywed gennych! P'un a ydych eisoes yn cymryd rhan mewn dysgu oedolion neu'n meddwl am y peth, mae eich barn yn bwysig.

Mae'r holiadur byr hwn ar gyfer oedolion 19+ oed sy'n byw neu'n gweithio yn Abertawe. Drwy gwblhau ein harolwg, byddwch yn ein helpu i feithrin dealltwriaeth well o'r hyn y mae pobl ei eisiau, ei angen ac yn ei werthfawrogi gan wasanaethau dysgu oedolion yn Abertawe. Bydd eich adborth yn cael dylanwad uniongyrchol ar gyrsiau, cyfleoedd a chymorth yn eich cymuned yn y dyfodol.

Ydych chi'n adnabod rhywun arall a ddylai gael cyfle i ddweud ei ddweud? Rhannwch yr arolwg hwn â’ch ffrindiau, eich teulu a'ch cymuned fel y gallwn glywed cynifer o leisiau â phosib.

https://online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview/a2d0f2f3-5712-42ae-92f6-11af8a3b5312

Dyddiad cau: Dydd Llun, 14 Awst 2026
Diolch i chi am gymryd yr amser i gymryd rhan yn yr ymgynghoriad hwn.

Os oes angen yr ymgynghoriad hwn arnoch mewn fformat arall, er enghraifft, print bras, cysylltwch â [email protected]